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Japan is poised to widen Covid-19 controls to cover half its population as the Omicron variant drives new infections to record levels, Reuters reports.
Prime Minister Fumio Kishida is expected to officially approve the plan after it was cleared by an expert panel.
The so-called quasi-emergency measures permit governors to impose curbs on mobility and business, including shorter opening hours for bars and restaurants, as well as prohibitions on alcohol sales.
The measures, already in place in three regions, will widen to cover Tokyo and 12 other prefectures, lasting from Friday until February 13.
